Cars 2 is in theaters today, June 24!!!!

A few weeks ago I shared a synopsis of Cars 2 and I mentioned Hawaiian Vacation (totally adorable), the short film starring Toy Story 3 characters screening right before Cars 2 in theaters.

Today I’m going to give you my review of Cars 2, but first, I want you to know when you go to the theater to see Cars 2, you’ll also see a preview of a new Disney Pixar film scheduled for release in June of 2012 called, “Brave.” For the first time Pixar will have a female protagonist. The story takes place in Scotland and is a fairytale. So look for that.

Getting back to Cars 2: Did I like it? Very much. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Only you need to know something. Cars 2 is full of action, espionage, secret agents, villains, and even some guns, so it is more appropriate for children ages 7-12 years old. We are going to go see it as a family and my youngest is 3 1/2. I know he will enjoy it, but obviously he won’t understand many of the details or twists and turns of the plot.

The Details

Cars 2 is so finely crafted, the images so perfectly complete, that at times I forgot I was watching animation. From Tokyo to London, through Paris and “Porto Corsa, Italy,” each city is like a picture postcard, every building, street, car is rendered to the finest detail. So much so I’m going to see it again just to discover what I missed. My favorite scene for illustrating this is at the beginning of the film. We see a boat arriving with Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) at a location somewhere in the middle of the ocean. The water looks so real I thought for a moment I was seeing live action footage…well, at least until I saw the little faces on the boat and the car.

Photo Courtesy of Disney Studios, all rights reserved.

The story takes us around the world from the peaceful pueblo of Radiator Springs to the bright lights of Tokyo to romantic Italy. Lightning McQueen is racing in the World Grand Prix series while, unbeknownst to him, there is a plot to tarnish the Championship. The charismatic and adorable Mater is confused for a spy and now must do his best to unmasked the villains.

The Characters

Of course you’ll see all your favorites from Radiator Springs, with the poignant exception of Doc Hudson (voiced in the original Cars by legend Paul Newman). But there are many new characters, in fact, so many I would recommend familiarizing yourself with them before going to see the movie. Here’s a tip: At Disneylandia Al Día we have many, just click here and enter “Cars Mania” in the search box (buscar algo) to find short animated profiles of each (in Spanish).

Mater is without question the soul of the movie, his role is of the utmost importance, every bit equal to McMissile’s and Holly Shiftwell’s (Emily Mortimer), the super intelligent British agent, who, unknowingly, is on her first mission as a spy. Along with Siddeley (Jason Isaacs), the jet spy, the spies race to challenge danger, disarm their enemies, and save the stars of the World Grand Prix.

The Music

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how great and diverse the music is in Cars 2. From Polyrhythm (performed by Perfume) with its cool Japanese vibe to Collision of Worlds (performed by Brad Paisley and Robbie Williams), to the exceptional original score by composer Michael Giacchino. I have the CD and I can’t stop listening to the soundtrack.

In short, Cars 2 is well worth seeing, the James Bond-like action never stops, McMissile’s bag of tricks is thrilling, Mater’s sincerity and honesty will make you love him even more, Disney Pixar’s animation continues to amaze, and a much more mature McQueen is world class!

Check out this new video with new scenes:

Have fun and please come back to let me know what you think, Ok? Vroom, Vroom!!